WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it will distribute over $1 million in refunds to consumers who purchased Razer Inc.’s Zephyr face masks, which were falsely marketed as N95-grade during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move comes after the FTC alleged that Razer misrepresented the safety and efficacy of its masks, violating federal regulations.
Refund Details
Refunds will reach 6,764 consumers via checks or PayPal payments, covering the full cost of the masks. Consumers should cash their checks within 90 days or redeem PayPal payments within 30 days to ensure timely processing. For questions about the refunds, recipients can contact the refund administrator, Simpluris, at 1-833-285-3003 or visit the FTC’s website for additional information.
Misleading Claims and Legal Action
The FTC’s complaint, filed in April 2024, accused Razer of falsely advertising the Zephyr masks as N95 or N95-equivalent. Despite the claims, the masks were neither tested by the FDA nor certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The company reportedly ceased its misleading advertisements only after public backlash and negative press coverage.
“Businesses falsely claimed, in the midst of a global pandemic, that their face mask was the equivalent of an N95 certified respirator,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC will continue to hold accountable businesses that use false and unsubstantiated claims to target consumers making decisions about their health and safety.”
Settlement and Penalties
The proposed settlement requires Razer to pay $1,071,254.33, equivalent to its revenue from the masks, to fund refunds. It also imposes a $100,000 civil penalty. Additionally, Razer is barred from making unsubstantiated health claims about protective equipment and using deceptive marketing tactics, such as implying government approval or certification where none exists.
False Marketing Practices
Razer began selling its Zephyr masks in October 2021 through its website, physical stores, and limited online drops. Advertised as providing N95-level protection, the masks were priced at $99.99 for a standard pack, $149.99 for a starter pack, and $29.99 for filter packs. Marketing campaigns across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube falsely claimed the masks met N95 standards, which require filtering at least 95% of airborne particles. The FTC confirmed Razer never submitted the masks for NIOSH certification or sought permission to use the N95 label.
